Systems and methods for fitting golf clubs to golfers

ABSTRACT

A system for fitting golf clubs to golfers that enables an overall club length to be varied without varying the length of the golf club shaft. The system enables a greater number of combinations of club characteristics, such as shaft flex, brand, and length, to be contained within a club fitting cart and/or for a same number of combinations of club characteristics to be contained within a smaller cart.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/841,598, filedon Mar. 15, 2013, which claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), fromprovisional application Ser. No. 61/680,614, filed on Aug. 7, 2012. Theentire contents of the priority applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Generally, the concepts described herein relate to golf clubs (e.g.,drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges, putters, etc.). Moreparticularly, in some embodiments the concepts described herein relateto custom golf club fittings. For the sake of clarity and brevity, theconcepts will be described in detail below with respect to wedge-typegolf clubs, but could be applied to any type of golf clubs.

Each golfer has a different swing type and physical characteristics(e.g., golfer's height, weight, arm-length, etc.). In order to properlyfit a set of golf clubs (e.g., a set of irons, a set of wedges, or anentire set of golf clubs including irons, wedges, etc.) for anyparticular golfer, a fitting process is generally employed to determinethe proper specifications for each golf club in the golfer's bag.

The golf club fitting process generally requires a golfer to swing agolf club under the supervision of a golf club fitting specialist. Basedon the results, the golf club fitting specialist may suggest adjustmentsto various golf clubs (e.g., switching to a different shaft length, adifferent shaft stiffness or “flex,” etc.), or ask the golfer to try adifferent golf club altogether. The golfer may continue to swing theadjusted golf club, and further adjustments may be made if necessary.Through this process, the golfer may arrive at a set of custom-fit golfclubs that is adapted for that individual.

However, such a process requires the golf club fitting specialist tocarry a large number of golf club components, particularly club headsand shafts. For example, for each club head, there may be tens tohundreds of shafts needed to ensure a best fit for a golfer, sinceshafts come in different lengths, flexes, brands, etc. Typically, toassure that the golfer is provided the opportunity to find the best-fitclub, the golfer must be provided with a large number of club heads andclub shafts to be combined in various combinations during the fittingprocess.

With respect to wedges, assuming that the variables for golf club shaftsare limited to brand, shaft length, and shaft flex or stiffness, themaximum number of shafts needed to be carried by a golf club fittingspecialist to ensure a full library of customization options cangenerally be calculated with the following expression:

S=Σ _(i=1) ^(n) B·CL·SL,   (1)

where S is the total number of shafts needed, n represents the number ofclub heads with different wedge lofts offered, B represents the numberof brands offered, CL represents the number of club lengths offered, andSL represents the number of stiffness levels offered. One skilled in theart will understand that this expression may be easily reconfigured toaccount for additional variables, and is a mere generalization, sincenot every brand of shaft necessarily offers each length and stiffness.

Assuming that a manufacturer provides club heads with eight differentwedge lofts (e.g., 46°, 48°, 50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60°), and foreach wedge loft, two different brands of shafts, with each brandproviding five different club lengths at four different stiffness levels(e.g., A-flex, R-flex, S-flex, and X-flex), the manufacturer may have toprovide a fitting specialist with eight wedge heads (one for each of theeight loft angles LA) and approximately 320 different shafts.

One reason why such a large number of shafts is required is that eachdifferent club head may require its own set of customizable shafts. Forinstance, the recommended shafts for a 46° pitching wedge range from32.775 inches to 33.775 inches (in 0.5 inch increments), while therecommended shafts for a 58° lob wedge range from 32.405 inches to33.405 inches (in 0.5 inch increments). Therefore, otherwise similarshafts (e.g. same brand and same flex), cannot necessarily be mixed andmatched between wedges of different lofts.

Further, a typical golf club fitting specialist works at multiple retailfitting sites, and must transport his or her fitting equipment betweeneach fitting site using a “fitting cart.” FIG. 1 illustrates an exampleof a typical “fitting cart” 100. The fitting cart 100 includes storagespace for multiple shafts 102, multiple club heads 104, and associatedtools (not shown) for securing each head 102 to each shaft 104. The cart100 further typically includes wheels 106 to enhance its portability.Since storage space within the cart 100 is limited, and since the sizeof the cart 100 is limited by considerations of weight and portability,it is not practical for the fitting specialist to carry several hundreddifferent shafts.

Thus, one alternative is to limit the golfer to a subset of golf shaftsand club heads that can be practically carried by the golf club fittingspecialist. The drawback of this option is that the fitting specialisthas a smaller pool of customizations to offer the golfer, whichinevitably requires compromises to be made during the fitting process.Therefore, there is a need for a system that allows thorough fitting ofgolf clubs for golfers, while reducing the number of shafts needed to becarried by the fitting specialist.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments have several features, no single one of which issolely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting thescope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow,their more prominent features now will be discussed briefly. Afterconsidering this discussion, and particularly after reading the sectionentitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features ofthe present embodiments provide the advantages described herein.

One embodiment of this disclosure is a golf club fitting system,comprising a first club head having a first striking face, a first mainbody, a first hosel extending from the first main body, a first loftangle LA₁, and a first hosel length HL₁. The system further comprises asecond club head having a second striking face, a second main body, asecond hosel extending from the second main body, a second loft angleLA₂ greater than the first loft angle LA₁ by no more than 15°, and asecond hosel length HL₂ less than the first hosel length HL₁ by at least0.340 inches.

Another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising a firstclub head having a first striking face, a first main body, a first hoselextending from the first main body, a first loft angle LA₁, and a firsthosel length HL₁. The system further comprises a second club head havinga second striking face, a second main body, a second hosel extendingfrom the second main body, a second loft angle LA₂ greater than thefirst loft angle LA₁ by no more than 5°, and a second hosel length HL₂less than the first hosel length HL₁ by at least 0.120 inches.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising afirst club head having a first striking face, a first main body, a firsthosel extending from the first main body, a first loft angle LA₁, and afirst hosel length HL₁. The system further comprises a second club headhaving a second striking face, a second main body, a second hoselextending from the second main body, a second loft angle LA₂ greaterthan the first loft angle LA₁ by at least 4°, and a second hosel lengthHL₂. The first and second golf club heads satisfy the followingcondition: (HL₁−HL₂)=R*(LA₂−LA₁), where R is a constant within the rangeof 0.025 inches/degree to 0.035 inches/degree.

A still further embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising afirst club head having a first striking face, a first main body, a firsthosel extending from the first main body, a first loft angle LA₁, and afirst hosel length HL₁. The system further comprises a second club headhaving a second striking face, a second main body, a second hoselextending from the second main body, a second loft angle LA₂ greaterthan LA₁ angle by at least 4°, and a second hosel length HL₂. The systemfurther comprises a third club head having a third striking face, athird main body, a third hosel extending from the third main body, athird loft angle LA₃ greater than LA₂ by at least 4°, and a third hosellength HL₃. The first, second and third golf club heads are configuredto satisfy the following condition: 3.66 in. —(0.03125in/degree*LA_(n))≦HL_(n)≦3.78 in −(0.03125 in/degree*LA_(n)) where n is1, 2, or 3, corresponding to the first, second, and third club heads,respectively.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising afirst club head having a first loft greater than 45° and a first hosellength, HL₁, a second club head having a second loft greater than thefirst loft and a second hosel length, HL₂, less than the first hosellength and a third club head having a third loft greater than the secondloft and a third hosel length, HL₃, less than the second hosel length,wherein HL₁=(HL₂−l)=(HL₃−2l). In other words, HL₁ is shorter than HL₂ bythe quantity l and shorter than HL₃ by the quantity 2l, where l could beany increment of length.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising agolf club head including a body portion having a first tubular passageand a plurality of first castellations arranged about an upper end ofthe first tubular passage. The first castellations extend upward. Thesystem further comprises a sleeve portion including a second tubularpassage configured to receive a golf club shaft, and further including ashaft portion having a plurality of second castellations arranged aboutan upper end thereof The second castellations extend downward. The firsttubular passage receives the shaft portion, and the first and secondcastellations seat with one another in a first configuration to define afirst overall golf club length.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising agolf club head including a hosel having a first tubular passage. Thehosel has a slot in a sidewall thereof defining a plurality of detents.The system further comprises a tubular adapter having a radialprotrusion. The adapter includes a second tubular passage configured toreceive a golf club shaft. The radial protrusion may be seated in any ofthe detents in the slot to vary the extent to which the adapter and thegolf club shaft extend into the first tubular passage to thereby vary anoverall golf club length.

Still another embodiment is a method for fitting a set of golf clubs toa golfer. The method comprises securing a first golf club head to a golfclub shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a first distance intothe first golf club head. The method further comprises removing thefirst golf club head from the golf club shaft, and then securing asecond golf club head to the golf club shaft such that the golf clubshaft extends a second distance into the second golf club head. Thefirst and second distances are different.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising atleast two golf club heads, and a golf club shaft. The system isconfigurable to provide a plurality of golf club lengths using only theat least two golf club heads and the golf club shaft.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising aplurality of golf club heads having different loft angles, and at leastone golf club shaft. The number of the golf club shafts needed to fit agiven number of the golf club head loft angles is not dependent upon thegiven number of loft angles.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising agolf club head including a body portion having a first tubular passageand a plurality of first castellations arranged about an upper end ofthe first tubular passage. The first castellations extend upward. Thegolf club fitting system further comprises a collar portion including asecond tubular passage configured to receive a golf club shaft having ashaft length, and further including a plurality of second castellationsarranged about a lower end thereof The second castellations extenddownward. The first and second castellations seat with one another in afirst configuration to define, in combination with the golf club shafthaving the shaft length, a first overall golf club length. The first andsecond castellations seat with one another in a second configuration todefine, in combination with the golf club shaft having the shaft length,a second overall golf club length, wherein the first and second overallgolf club lengths are different. When the first and second castellationsseat with one another in the first configuration, the collar portion maydefine a first rotational orientation with respect to the body portion,and when the first and second castellations seat with one another in thesecond configuration, the collar portion may define a second rotationalorientation with respect to the body portion. The first castellationsmay comprise a pair of first upwardly-extending diametrically-opposedtabs, and a pair of second upwardly-extending diametrically-opposedtabs. The first tabs may be measurably longer axially than the secondtabs. The first tabs may be offset from the second tabs by about 90°around the perimeter of the first tubular passage. The secondcastellations may comprise a pair of first diametrically-opposed slotsconfigured to receive the first tabs and a pair of seconddiametrically-opposed slots configured to receive the second tabs. Thegolf club fitting system may further comprise a plug portion extendingfrom the collar portion, wherein the first tubular passage of the bodyportion receives the plug portion.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising agolf club head including a hosel having a first tubular passage, thehosel having a slot in a sidewall thereof defining a plurality ofdetents. The golf club fitting system further comprises a tubularadapter having a radial protrusion. The adapter includes a secondtubular passage configured to receive a golf club shaft having a shaftlength. The radial protrusion is configured to be seated in any of thedetents in the slot to vary an extent to which the adapter and the golfclub shaft having the shaft length extend into the first tubular passageto thereby vary an overall golf club length using the golf club shafthaving the shaft length. The slot defines two detents. The golf clubfitting system may further comprise a securement mechanism configured toremovably secure the adapter to the golf club shaft and to the golf clubhead. The securement mechanism may comprise one or more set screws.

Still another embodiment is a method for fitting a set of golf clubs toa golfer, the method comprising securing a first golf club head to agolf club shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a first distanceinto the first golf club head. The method for fitting a set of golfclubs to a golfer further comprises removing the first golf club headfrom the golf club shaft. The method for fitting a set of golf clubs toa golfer further comprises securing a second golf club head to the golfclub shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a second distance intothe second golf club head. The first and second distances are different.The first and second distances respectively correspond to first andsecond rotational orientations of the golf club heads to the golf clubshaft. The first rotational orientation of the golf club heads to thegolf club shaft may be offset by about 90° from the second rotationalorientation of the golf club heads to the golf club shaft.

Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising atleast two golf club heads, and a golf club shaft. The system may beconfigurable to provide a plurality of golf club lengths using only thegolf club heads and the golf club shaft. Providing the plurality of golfclub lengths may comprise varying an extent to which the golf club shaftextends into the golf club heads. Providing the plurality of golf clublengths may comprise varying a hosel length of a golf club formed fromthe golf club heads and the golf club shaft. The golf club fittingsystem may further comprise a plurality of hosel-like sleeves havingvariable bore lengths, wherein the sleeves are alternately receivablewithin a bore in each of the golf club heads. The golf club fittingsystem may further comprise a plurality of adapters, wherein theadapters are receivable within a bore in each of the golf club heads toselectively limit an extent to which the golf club shaft may extend intoeach of the golf club heads.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments now will be discussed in detail with an emphasison highlighting the advantageous features. These embodiments depict thenovel and non-obvious golf club fitting systems and methods as shown inthe accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.These drawings include the following figures, in which like numeralsindicate like parts:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a typical fitting cart forcontaining and transporting a golf club fitting system;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a golf club fitting apparatus, inaccordance with embodiments of this disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a graph of hosel length HL versus loft angle LA for use inaccordance with an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a graph of hosel length HL versus loft angle LA for use inaccordance with another embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a body element of an adaptersystem for varying an overall length of a golf club, in accordance witha first embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a sleeve element of the adaptersystem for varying an overall length of a golf club in accordance withthe first embodiment;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are front perspective views of the body element and sleeveelement of FIGS. 5 and 6 engaged in a first orientation and a secondorientation, respectively;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are front elevation views of a golf club head and anadapter system for varying the length of a golf club in accordance witha second embodiment of the disclosure, with the adapter system engagedin a first a configuration and a second configuration, respectively;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and the adaptersystem of FIGS. 9 and 10 taken through the line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a system forvarying an overall length of a golf club;

FIG. 13A is a side elevation view of a set of inserts for varying anoverall length of a golf club in accordance with a third embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIGS. 13B-13C are cross-sectional views of the inserts of FIG. 13A incombination with a golf club head and golf club shaft;

FIGS. 14A-14B are cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of asystem for varying an overall length of a golf club;

FIGS. 15A-15B are side elevation views of a fifth embodiment of a systemfor varying an overall length of a golf club;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method offitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a sixth embodiment of a system forvarying an effective length of a golf club; and

FIGS. 18A-18B are side elevation views of a seventh embodiment of asystem for varying an overall length of a golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Terminology

The following terms may be used herein with respect to golf club loftangles LA, or the angle that the club face makes with the ground whenthe sole of the club head lies flat on the ground (higher loft angles LAgenerally produce higher ball trajectories and shorter ball carries):

Pitching Wedge (abbreviated PW)—A golf club typically having a loftangle LA between 40° and 50°;

Gap Wedge/Approach Wedge (abbreviated GW/AW)—A golf club typicallyhaving a loft angle LA between 45° and 55°;

Sand Wedge (abbreviated SW)—A golf club typically having a loft angle LAbetween 50° and 60°; and

Lob Wedge (abbreviated LW)—A golf club typically having a loft angle LAbetween 55° and 65°.

The following terms may be used herein with respect to the stiffness or“flex” of golf club shafts (stiffer shafts are generally intended forskilled players who can produce greater club head speeds):

L-Flex—Ladies Flex (the most flexible shaft);

A-Flex—Senior Flex;

R-Flex—Regular Flex;

S-Flex—Stiff Flex; and

X-Flex—Extra Stiff Flex (the stiffest shaft).

In some embodiments, the proposed solution offered herein to the problemdiscussed above involves varying the hosel length of different clubs toenable a golf club fitting specialist to use a shaft of a particularlength across different clubs, thereby reducing the total number ofshafts that the fitting specialist needs to carry between retail fittingsites. And, because a golfer typically only carries a few wedges (e.g.,2 or 3 wedges) as opposed to a more substantial number (e.g., 6 or more)of longer irons in his or her golf bag, the below description worksparticularly well for wedge fitting, but is not limited to wedges. Itcould be adapted for any other type of golf club.

In other embodiments, the proposed solution offered herein to theproblem discussed above involves varying an extent to which the golfclub shaft extends into the hosel of the golf club head. Suchembodiments may comprise varying the bore length BL across differentclub heads, or providing an interface that enables the club shaft toextend into the bore of the club head at more than one length. Thus,while the hosel lengths of the club heads in a set may remain constant,the overall club length varies according to how far the shaft extendsinto the hosel.

FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club fitting apparatus that includes areference club 10 comprising the components of a conventional golf club,which in this specific example is a wedge. The reference club 10 has aclub head 12 having a heel 14 merging into a hosel 16 having a bore 18,into which the bottom end 19 of a shaft 20 is removably inserted. Theclub head 12 has a striking face 22 and a bottom or sole 24. A resilientgrip 26 is fitted onto the upper portion of the shaft 20. A grip cap 28typically terminates the grip 26 and covers the top end of the shaft 20(i.e., the end of the shaft 20 opposite the hosel 16).

The reference club 10 is used in conjunction with a measurement deviceto measure golf club dimensions for fitting one or more golf clubs to aparticular golfer in accordance with this disclosure. The measurementdevice includes a linear measurement element 32 with a stop member 34 atone end. The linear measurement element 32 is marked in the desiredmeasurement units (typically inches and fractions thereof in countriesthat use the English system of measurement, but could be cm and mm inthose countries that use the metric system). In use, the reference club10 is oriented relative to the measurement device so that, when thelinear measurement element 32 is horizontal, with the stop member 34projecting vertically upward, the heel 14 of the club head 12 and thegrip 26 of the reference club 10 are resting on the linear measurementelement 32, the striking face 20 of the club head 12 is generallyvertically oriented, the sole 22 of the club head 12 rests against thestop member 34, and the longitudinal axis A of the club shaft 14 issubstantially parallel to the linear measurement element 32. Once thereference club 10 is properly oriented relative to the measurementdevice, the club length CL is read from the linear measurement element32 at a juncture 36 between the grip 24 and the grip cap 26. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the grip cap 26 is not includedin the club length measurement CL.

The shaft length SL is a measurement of the shaft 20 from the grip/gripcap juncture 36 to the lower end of the shaft 20 (shown housed in andcontacting a shaft seating surface 38 in the hosel 16 and indicated bythe phantom vertical line C). The bore length BL is a length of the bore18 between the top of the hosel 16 (where the shaft 14 enters the hosel,as indicated by the phantom vertical line B) and the shaft seatingsurface 38 in the hosel 16 (as indicated by the phantom vertical lineC).

The hosel length HL is a measurement of the distance between the stopelement 34 and the shaft seating surface 38 in the hosel 16. Thismeasurement may be read from the linear measurement element 32 at theposition of the shaft seating surface 38 in the hosel 16 (i.e., at aposition coincident with the phantom vertical line C).

The fitting apparatus, including the reference club 10 and themeasurement device of FIG. 2, having been described, several exampleembodiments are described below.

One embodiment comprises a set of club heads having typical wedge-typeloft angles LA, such as a 46° PW, a 48° PW, a 50° GW, a 52° AW, a 54°SW, a 56° SW, a 58° LW and a 60° LW. As described in detail below, byconfiguring the hosel length HL of each club head, a single shaft can beused interchangeably with all club heads of the set in order to achievethe desired club length CL. In the foregoing embodiment, eight clubheads are provided, but in alternative embodiments any number of clubheads could be provided. Further, the listed loft angles LA are merelyexamples, and should not be construed as limiting.

With respect to a standard length, Table 1 illustrates data (in inches)for each of the eight wedge club heads in the present embodiment,including 1) hosel length HL, 2) bore length BL, 3) shaft length SL, and4) club length CL.

TABLE 1 SET OF WEDGES HL BL SL CL 46° PW 2.22″  0.354″ 33.28″ 35.5″  48°PW 2.22″  0.354″ 33.28″ 35.5″  50° GW 2.095″ 0.354″ 33.28″ 35.375″ 52°AW 2.095″ 0.354″ 33.28″ 35.375″ 54° SW 1.97″  0.354″ 33.28″ 35.25″  56°SW 1.97″  0.354″ 33.28″ 35.25″  58° LW 1.845″ 0.354″ 33.28″ 35.125″ 60°LW 1.845″ 0.354″ 33.28″ 35.125″

The club lengths shown in Table 1 are considered in the industry to be“standard” club lengths. That is, the listed club lengths arerecommended for golfers of average height. However, golf clubs havingextended length shafts and shortened length shafts are also widelyavailable for taller golfers and shorter golfers, respectively. Extendedshaft lengths are typically 0.5 inches longer as compared to thestandard shaft length for a club having the same loft angle LA, whileshortened shaft lengths are typically 0.5 inches shorter as compared tothe standard shaft length for a club having the same loft angle LA. Itshould be appreciated that the principles of the present embodiments arereadily adaptable to extended and shortened shaft lengths by adjustingthe club lengths listed in Table 1 by ±0.5 inches.

In Table 1, the hosel length HL corresponds to HL of FIG. 2, anddecreases in increments of 0.125 inches for every 4° increase in loftangle LA. The bore length BL corresponds to BL of FIG. 2, and isconstant throughout the set at 0.354 inches. The desired standard clublength CL corresponds to CL of FIG. 2, and also decreases in incrementsof 0.125 inches for every 4° increase in loft angle LA. With these abovedimensions, the shaft length SL is able to be maintained at a constant33.28 inches throughout the set. In this manner, a single shaft can besequentially secured to each of the eight club heads in the set during afitting process to enable the golfer being fitted to try club headshaving eight different loft angles LA without needing multiple shafts toachieve the desired club length CL for each loft angle LA. Essentially,by varying the hosel length HL from club head to club head, the shaftlength SL can be kept constant to achieve the desired club length CL foreach loft angle LA.

The above dimensions are not to be construed as limiting, as differentmanufacturers may adhere to their own standards for determining clublength. For example, the dimensions in Table 1 may vary by ±⅛″, ±¼″,±½″, or any other value.

Under the prior art method of golf club fitting, there might not be adirect correlation between the hosel length HL and the club length CL.In other words, by maintaining a constant difference between CL and HLthroughout the set as shown in Table 1, a constant shaft length SL maybe used to achieve the plurality of incremental club lengths CL shown inTable 1.

With reference to FIG. 2, this concept can be expressed using theequation for the club length CL as follows:

CL=SL+HL,   (2)

where SL is the shaft length and HL is the hosel length. Another way ofexpressing Equation (2) is to subtract HL from each side. That is,

CL−HL=SL   (2)

Thus, a constant differential between CL and HL across wedges of varyingloft angle LA maintains a constant SL. Expressed mathematically:SL=CL_(PW)−HL_(PW)=CL_(GW)−HL_(GW)=CL_(LW)−HL_(LW), etc. Thisrelationship allows the use of one shaft for each of the standard clublengths. In a similar manner, the “Standard length plus 0.5 inches”extended shaft can be reduced to one shaft across the set of wedges, andthe “Standard length minus 0.5 inches” shortened shaft can also bereduced to one shaft across the set of wedges. Thus, only three shaftsare needed for each brand for each shaft stiffness.

The following example provides additional illustration of how thepresent embodiments achieve advantages over the prior art. In thisexample, the following assumptions are made:

-   -   There are three wedge club heads that are to be fitted: (1) a        46° PW, (2) a 50° GW, and (3) a 58° LW.    -   Each club head can be fitted with either a Brand X shaft or a        Brand Y shaft.    -   For the 46° PW, the standard club length CL is 35.5 inches.        However, the standard club length may be increased or decreased        by 0.5 inches for customization purposes. The standard club        length CL may thus be represented as 35.5±0.5 inches. Similarly,        for the 50° GW, the standard club length is 35.375±0.5 inches,        and for the 58° LW, the standard club length is 35.125±0.5        inches.    -   For each club length, three different shaft stiffnesses, or        “flexes,” are available: (1) A-flex, (2) R-flex, and (3) S-flex.

Under the above assumptions, and using the Equation (1), which isdescribed above under the heading “BACKGROUND,”

S=Σ _(i=1) ^(n) B·CL·SL,   (1)

where S is the total number of shafts needed, n represents the number ofclub heads with different wedge lofts offered, B represents the numberof brands offered, CL represents the number of club lengths offered, andSL represents the number of stiffness levels offered, the prior artmethod requires 54 different shafts to provide a full range ofcustomizable shaft options for the three wedge club heads: 54=Σ₁ ³2·3·3.Essentially, each shaft configuration requires its own shaft, whichburdens the golf club fitting specialist, who must transport each ofthose 54 shafts to each retail fitting site just to fit three wedge clubheads to each golfer.

Using the system of the present embodiments, only 18 shafts are requiredto achieve each of the club lengths under the above assumptions. Thatis, instead of needing S=Σ_(i=1) ^(n)B·CL·SL shafts, the number ofshafts required (denoted as S₂) can be expressed as S₂=B·CL·SL. Notably,no summation is needed for each additional wedge club head. Thus, thetotal number of shafts needed is reduced by ⅔, from 54 to 18. Thereduction in the number of shafts needed becomes even more significantas the number of club heads in the calculation increases. The presentembodiments thus create advantages where storage space for club headsand shafts is limited, such as with a portable fitting cart, or evenwith a fixed fitting display in a retail store where floor space may belimited.

Another advantageous feature of the present embodiments is that thenumber of shafts needed to fit a given number of loft angles does notchange as the number of loft angles increases. For example, addinganother loft angle to a given fitting does not require any additionalshafts when the number of brand options, the number of club lengthoptions, and the number of shaft stiffness options are unchanged.Whereas under the prior art method, each additional club head added tothe fitting requires another 18 shafts (where the number of brandsoptions is two, the number of club length options is three, and thenumber of stiffness options is three, as in the above example).

In certain embodiments, across a set of wedges the club length CL maydecrease by a constant length decrement D_(L) corresponding to a givenloft angle LA increment I_(LA). For example, for a loft angle LAincrement I_(LA) of 4° the relationship of club length for a 46° PW withrespect to a 50° GW may be expressed as:

CL ₅₀ =CL ₄₆ −D _(L),   (3)

where CL₅₀ is the club length of the 50° GW, CL₄₆ is the club length ofthe 46° PW, and D_(L) is the length decrement between the PW and the GW.

The length decrement D_(L) can also be applied across hosel lengths. Forexample, for a loft angle LA increment I_(LA) of 4° the relationship ofhosel length for a 46° PW with respect to a 50° GW may be expressed as:

HL ₅₀ =HI ₄₆ −D _(L).   (4)

With reference to Table 1 above, in the illustrated embodiment D_(L)equals 0.125 inches for every loft angle LA increment I_(LA) of 4°.Accordingly, given a 35.5 inch standard club length for a 46° PW, a 50°GW would have a standard club length of 35.375 inches. This relationshipholds across extended club lengths and shortened club lengths.Accordingly, given an extended club length of 36 inches for a 46° PW(35.5+0.5 inches), a 50° GW would have an extended club length of 35.875inches (35.375+0.5 inches).

The D_(L) of 0.125 inches in Table 1 is merely one example. Inalternative embodiments, D_(L) may have any other suitable value, suchas, for example, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, etc.

In some embodiments, the length decrement D_(L) may correlate to a totallength decrease D_(MAX). In one example, D_(MAX)=D_(L)×N, where N is thenumber of times D_(L) must be incremented/decremented to arrive at thedifference in length between the lowest lofted wedge and the highestlofted wedge. In the embodiment of Table 1, D_(max)=D_(L)×3=0.375inches. In some embodiments, D_(max) is subject to a constraint, inwhich, D_(max) cannot exceed the hosel length HL of the highest loftedwedge in the set. For example, if the highest lofted wedge in the set isa 58° SW, D_(max)≦HL_(SW).

In the present embodiments, with the relationships and constraintsdiscussed above, various hosel lengths HL can be determined for eachwedge in a set so that a given constant shaft length SL can be matedwith any of the club heads in the set to produce the desired club lengthCL for any loft angle LA. In some embodiments, the hosel length HL maybe correlated with the loft angle LA. For example, as shown in the graphof FIG. 3, as the loft angle LA increases, the hosel length HLdecreases. Furthermore, the rate of change at which the hosel length HLdecreases per unit change in loft angle LA is constant in FIG. 3, andcan be represented as the slope S of the line L in FIG. 3, where

${S = \frac{\Delta \; H\; L}{\Delta \; L\; A}},$

or the rate of change of hosel length HL divided by the rate of changeof loft angle LA. Expressed another way:

(HL ₁ −HL ₂)=S*(LA ₂ −LA ₁),   (5)

where HL₁ and HL₂ represent the hosel lengths HL of two differentwedges, and LA₁ and LA₂ represent the loft angles LA of the respectivewedges. For example, S may be between 0.025 inches/degree and 0.035inches/degree. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, 5 is about 0.03125inches/degree.

Equation (5) relates the hosel lengths HL and loft angles LA of variouswedges. With any given wedge, however, a relationship between its hosellength HL and loft angle LA may also exist. For instance, in someembodiments, a theoretical HL₀ at zero degree loft angle can beextrapolated from the graph of FIG. 3 to be 3.72 inches. By using thistheoretical HL₀, the expression for correlating loft angle LA to hosellength HL (HL_(LA)) of a wedge of any loft angle LA may be determinedas:

HL _(LA)=3.72 in−( 0.03125 inches/degree)*LA.   (6)

In one or more embodiments, HL_(LA) can be broadly expressed as:

3.66 inches−(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA≦HL _(LA)<3.78 inches−(0.03125inches/degree)*LA.   (7)

In some embodiments, HL_(LA) can be expressed according to:

3.70 inches−(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA≦HL _(LA)≦3.74 inches−(0.03125inches/degree)*LA.   (8)

Expressions (7) and (8) are supported by Table 2 below and the graph ofFIG. 4. As further shown in Table 2, the maximum hosel length of a setHL_(MAX) is equal to the hosel length of the lowest lofted club in thegolf club fitting system. In the example shown in Table 2, the 48° loftangle LA corresponds to HL_(MAX).

TABLE 2 Loft Angle (LA) Hosel Length (HL) Lower Boundary Upper Boundary48° 2.22″  2.16″  2.28″  52° 2.095″ 2.035″ 2.155″ 56° 1.97″  1.91″ 2.03″  60° 1.845″ 1.785″ 1.905″

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate one embodiment of a system for varying the overalllength of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubs to agolfer. FIG. 5 illustrates a first or body element 50 of thelength-varying mechanism, which is fixed to and extends from the heel 14of the golf club head 12 of the reference club 10 (see FIG. 1). FIG. 6illustrates a second or sleeve element 52 that is configured to engagewith the body element 50. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the body and sleeveelements 50, 52 engaged with one another.

With reference to FIG. 5, the body element 50 comprises a castellatedannular base 51 that includes a pair of first upwardly-extendingdiametrically-opposed tabs 54 and a pair of second upwardly-extendingdiametrically-opposed tabs 56. The first tabs 54 are measurably longer(axially) than the second tabs 56, and they are advantageously offsetfrom them by about 90 degrees around the perimeter of the base 51. Withreference to FIG. 6, the sleeve element 52 includes an annular collar 53having a tapered upper portion 57 a and a cylindrical, castellated lowerportion 57 b that is complementary with the castellated annular base 51of the body element 50. The lower portion 57 b defines a pair of firstdiametrically-opposed slots 58 and a pair of seconddiametrically-opposed slots 60 that are located to receive the tabs 54,56 on the body element 50. The first slots 58 have a depth thatcorresponds approximately to the axial length of the longer first tabs54, while the second slots 60 have a depth corresponding approximatelyto the axial length of the shorter second tabs 56. The sleeve element 52further includes a downwardly-depending plug 62, around the upper end ofwhich the lower portion 57 b is concentrically disposed. The bodyelement 50 includes a bore 64 configured to receive the plug 62, whilethe upper portion 57 a of the sleeve element 52 includes a tubularpassage 66 configured to receive a golf club shaft (not shown).

As described above and as shown in the drawings, the first tabs 54 havea greater axial length or height than the second tabs 56, and the firstslots 58 have a greater depth than the second slots 60. Thus, when theplug 62 of the sleeve element 52 is inserted into the bore 64 of thebody element 50 in a first rotational orientation illustrated in FIG. 7,the first tabs 54 on the body element 50 seat in the first slots 58 inthe sleeve element 52, and the second tabs 56 on the body element 50seat in the second slots 60 in the sleeve element 52. This configurationenables the sleeve element 52 to be inserted to a first distance withinthe body element 50. With reference to FIG. 8, when the sleeve element52 is rotated to a second rotational orientation 90° displaced from thefirst rotational orientation shown in FIG. 7, the first tabs 54 on thebody element 50 are received within the second slots 60 in the sleeveelement 52. Because the second slots 60 are shallower than the firstslots 58, the sleeve element 52 does not extend as far into the bodyelement 50 as it does in the first rotational orientation of FIG. 7. Theconfiguration of FIG. 8 thus results in a greater overall club length,because the effective length of the hosel has been increased byapproximately the difference in axial length between the first tabs 54and the second tabs 56. In this embodiment, as in any of the presentembodiments, the variance in overall club length may be about ⅛″, about¼″, or any other value. While not shown, a securement mechanism, such asa set screw, may be used to removably secure the body element 50 and thesleeve element 52 to one another.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of a system for varying theoverall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubsto a golfer. This embodiment includes a tubular adapter 70 having aradial protrusion 72. With reference to FIG. 11, the adapter 70 includesa tubular passage 74 configured to receive the end of a reference golfclub shaft 75. A reference club head 12′ includes a hollow, hosel-likesleeve 76 extending upwardly from its heel, the sleeve 76 defining abore 78 configured to receive the adapter 70. The sleeve 76 alsoincludes a slot 80 in a sidewall thereof having first and secondlongitudinally spaced detents 82, 84. The protrusion 72 is configured tobe seated in either of the detents 82, 84 to define first and secondclub lengths, respectively. In FIG. 9, the protrusion 72 is seated inthe first detent 82 to provide a first selectable club length, and inFIG. 10 the protrusion 72 is seated in the second detent 84 to provide asecond selectable club length. By seating the protrusion 72 in one orthe other of the detents 82, 84, the overall club length can be variedbetween the first club length and the second length, because the extentto which the shaft 75 extends into the socket 78 defined by the sleeve76 is varied. With reference to FIG. 11, a securement mechanism, such asone or more set screws 86, may be used to removably secure the adapter70 to the shaft 75, and to the sleeve 76. Further, while two detents areshown in FIGS. 9-11, any number of detents may be provided.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 is particularly useful when adjusting theoverall club length for taller golfers and/or shorter golfers. Asdiscussed above, extended club lengths for taller golfers are typically0.5 inches longer as compared to the standard club length for a clubhaving the same loft angle LA, while shortened club lengths for shortergolfers are typically 0.5 inches shorter as compared to the standardclub length for a club having the same loft angle LA. Thus, in theembodiment of FIGS. 9-11 the first and second detents 82, 84 may, forexample, be spaced by 0.5 inches. If the first detent 82 provides aproper club length for a golfer of average height, then the seconddetent 84 would provide a proper club length for a taller golfer.Similarly, if the second detent 84 provides a proper club length for agolfer of average height, then the first detent 82 would provide aproper club length for a shorter golfer. In an embodiment of the clubhead 12′ having three detents all spaced from one another by 0.5 inches,a single shaft and club head could be used to fit shorter golfers,golfers of average height, and taller golfers.

In another embodiment (not shown) the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 may bemodified to omit the adapter 70. In such an embodiment, the golf clubshaft may include a radial protrusion configured to seat within one ormore detents in the sleeve of the club head.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a system for varying theoverall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubsto a golfer. This embodiment includes a club shaft 90 having a pluralityof longitudinally spaced openings 92, and a plug 94 selectivelyengageable with each of the openings 92. A location of the plug 94 alongthe shaft 90 determines an extent to which the shaft 90 may extend intoa bore 96 defined in a hollow, hosel-like sleeve 98. Thus, by varying alocation of the plug 94 along the shaft 90, e.g. by selecting which ofthe openings 92 the plug 94 engages, the overall length of the golf clubcan be varied. The plug 94 may, in some embodiments, comprise a threadedmember, such as a bolt or a screw, and the openings 92 may includeinternal threads to matingly receive the plug 94. A set screw or othersecurement mechanism (not shown) may removably secure the shaft 90 at aselected position within the bore 96. In the illustrated embodiment,three openings 92 are shown, but in alternative embodiments any numberof openings 92 may be provided.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate another embodiment of a system for varying theoverall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubsto a golfer. This embodiment includes one or more plugs that areinserted into a bore 96′ defined by a hollow, hosel-like sleeve 98′ onthe club head prior to the insertion of a club shaft 106 into the bore96′, in order to limit the extent to which the shaft 106 may extend intothe bore 96′. For example, FIG. 13A illustrates a set of plugs 100, 102,104 having varying thicknesses. The illustrated set includes threeplugs, but alternative sets may include one or two plugs, or any numberof plugs greater than three. In the illustrated example set, a firstplug 100 has a first thickness, T₁, a second plug 102 has a secondthickness, T₂, and a third plug 104 has a third thickness, T₃. Dependingupon which of the plugs 100, 102, 104 is inserted in the bore 96′ priorto insertion of the shaft 106, the overall length of the golf club willvary. For example, inserting the first plug 100 provides a relativelyshorter club length, while inserting the second plug 102 or third plug104 provides a relatively longer club length. FIG. 13B illustrates aconfiguration in which the second plug 102 has been inserted into thebore 96′ of the sleeve 98′ prior to insertion of the shaft 106.

In another embodiment, a set of plugs may include one or more plugs ofuniform thickness. By varying the number of plugs inserted into the borehole prior to the shaft, the overall length of the golf club will vary.For example, inserting one of the first plugs 100 provides a relativelyshorter club length, while inserting two or more of the first plugs 100provides a relatively longer club length. FIG. 13C illustrates two ofthe first plugs 100 inserted into the bore 96′ of the hosel-like sleeve98′ prior to insertion of the shaft 106 into the sleeve 98′.

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate another embodiment of a system for varying theoverall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubsto a golfer. This embodiment includes removable tubular adapters havingdifferent bottom wall thicknesses. For example, FIG. 14A illustrates afirst adapter 108 that is externally dimensioned to fit snugly into abore 96″ defined in a hosel-like sleeve 98″ and that defines an interiorpassage 109 dimensioned to receive the end of a club shaft 106. Thefirst adapter 108 has a bottom wall 110 with a first, relatively smallthickness T₁. FIG. 14B illustrates a second adapter 108′ that isidentical to the first adapter 108, but with a bottom wall 110′ having asecond thickness T₂ that is greater than the first thickness T₁. Theadapters 108, 108′ limit the extent to which the shaft 106 extends intothe bore 96″ in the hosel-like sleeve 98″. Thus, the first adapter 108provides a relatively shorter club length, while the second adapter 108′provides a relatively longer club length.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrates another embodiment of a system for varying theoverall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting golf clubsto a golfer. This embodiment includes a shaft 112 having a plurality oftelescoping segments 114, 116, 118, 120. For example, in FIG. 15A afirst segment 114 is in an extended position with respect to a secondsegment 116, while the second segment 116 and a third segment 118 are ina retracted position with respect to a fourth segment 120, resulting ina relatively shorter overall club length. In FIG. 15B, by contrast, allof the segments 114, 116, 118, 120 are in an extended position,resulting in a relatively longer overall club length.

As the foregoing description illustrates, the present embodiments enablea single shaft to be used to fit multiple club heads having differentloft angles while simultaneously varying the overall club length forclub heads having different loft angles. In some embodiments, thisadvantage is accomplished by varying a hosel length of the club. Varyingthe hosel length may, in some embodiments, be accomplished by changingthe effective length of a bore in a hosel-like sleeve extending from theheel of the club head. In other embodiments, varying the hosel lengthmay be accomplished by varying an extent to which the shaft extends intothe bore of the hosel-like sleeve.

In accordance with the present embodiments, a system for fitting golfclubs to a golfer comprises a plurality of golf club heads and a singlegolf club shaft, wherein the system is configurable to achieve aplurality of golf club lengths using only the single golf club shaft. Incertain embodiments, the foregoing advantage is achieved by varying ahosel length of the golf club. In other embodiments, the foregoingadvantage is achieved by varying an extent to which the single golf clubshaft extends into a hosel-like sleeve on each golf club head. In suchembodiments, a golf club fitting professional is able to present agolfer with a range of golf club lengths across a range of loft anglesusing only a single golf club shaft.

Also in accordance with the present embodiments, a plurality of golfclub heads is configured to be mated with a single golf club shaft suchthat an overall golf club length is variable. In such embodiments, theplurality of golf club heads may include a variable bore length in ahosel-like sleeve on each club head, such that the golf club shaft mayextend into the sleeve of each of the golf club heads by a varyingextent. In other such embodiments, the plurality of golf club headsand/or the golf club shaft may include an adapter that selectivelylimits an extent to which the golf club shaft may extend into thehosel-like sleeve of each of the golf club heads.

FIG. 16 illustrates a process 1600, in accordance with this disclosure,for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer using only a single golfclub shaft. A “set,” as defined herein, may include any number of golfclubs. The process 1600 may comprise securing a first golf club head toa shaft such that the overall club length is equal to a first length(B1602), disengaging the first golf club head from the shaft (B1604),and securing a second golf club head to the shaft such that the overallclub length is equal to a second length, wherein the first and secondoverall club lengths are different (B1606). Further, a loft angle of thefirst golf club head may differ from a loft angle of the second golfclub head.

In accordance with this disclosure, a process for making a set of golfclubs based on a fitting process may comprise any of the fittingprocesses described herein, and further comprising any of forging,molding, machining, milling, etching, etc. of golf club heads for theset of golf clubs, and/or fitting the golf club heads to golf clubshafts.

Certain of the present embodiments comprise varying an overall clublength based on loft angles of a plurality of club heads, withoutvarying the length of a reference shaft configured to be connected toeach of the plurality of club heads. Others of the present embodimentscomprise varying hosel lengths of a plurality of golf club heads inorder to vary the overall club length without varying the length of areference shaft configured to be connected to each of the plurality ofclub heads.

In another of the present embodiments, an overall length of a pluralityof golf clubs may remain constant, while a grip on the shaft may includemarkings or indicia that indicate where a golfer should grasp the gripdepending upon which of a plurality of golf club heads is attached tothe shaft so as to effectively vary the length of each of the clubs. Forexample, FIG. 17 illustrates a grip 122 having a plurality oflongitudinally spaced markings 124 that indicate where the lower extentof a golfer's lower hand should be located, depending upon the loftangle of the club head (not shown) attached to the shaft 126. For ahigher lofted club head, the golfer should align his or her lower handwith a lower one of the markings 124 (“choke up”), and for a lowerlofted club head, the golfer should align his or her lower hand with ahigher one of the markings 124 (“choke down”).

In another of the present embodiments, an overall length of a pluralityof golf clubs may be varied using a single shaft by removing a firstgrip having a first grip length from the shaft and securing a secondgrip having a second grip length to the shaft, wherein the first andsecond grip lengths differ. For example, with reference to FIG. 18A,when a lesser lofted club head is attached to a shaft 128, a first grip130 having a relatively long length may be secured to the shaft 128, andwhen a greater lofted club head is attached to the shaft 128, a secondgrip 132 having a relatively short length may be secured to the shaft128. Engagement between the grips 130, 132 and the shaft 128 may be viaany conventional means, such as threads, a set screw, etc.

While certain embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the above principles can be appliedto other golf club types and mixed golf club types. Furthermore, theconstruction of the wedge(s) shown in the figures has been simplifiedand/or shown schematically for the sake of brevity and clarity, andshould be not construed as limiting the claims. Indeed, the abovedescribed concepts are equally applicable to golf clubs having shaftsleeves, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club fitting system, comprising: a golfclub head including a body portion having a first tubular passage and aplurality of first castellations arranged about an upper end of thefirst tubular passage, the first castellations extending upward; and acollar portion including a second tubular passage configured to receivea golf club shaft having a shaft length, and further including aplurality of second castellations arranged about a lower end thereof,the second castellations extending downward; wherein the first andsecond castellations seat with one another in a first configuration todefine, in combination with the golf club shaft having the shaft length,a first overall golf club length; wherein the first and secondcastellations seat with one another in a second configuration to define,in combination with the golf club shaft having the shaft length, asecond overall golf club length, wherein the first and second overallgolf club lengths are different.
 2. The golf club fitting system ofclaim 1, wherein when the first and second castellations seat with oneanother in the first configuration, the collar portion defines a firstrotational orientation with respect to the body portion, and when thefirst and second castellations seat with one another in the secondconfiguration, the collar portion defines a second rotationalorientation with respect to the body portion.
 3. The golf club fittingsystem of claim 1, wherein the first castellations comprise a pair offirst upwardly-extending diametrically-opposed tabs, and a pair ofsecond upwardly-extending diametrically-opposed tabs.
 4. The golf clubfitting system of claim 3, wherein the first tabs are measurably longeraxially than the second tabs.
 5. The golf club fitting system of claim3, wherein the first tabs are offset from the second tabs by about 90°around the perimeter of the first tubular passage.
 6. The golf clubfitting system of claim 3, wherein the second castellations comprise apair of first diametrically-opposed slots configured to receive thefirst tabs and a pair of second diametrically-opposed slots configuredto receive the second tabs.
 7. The golf club fitting system of claim 1,further comprising a plug portion extending from the collar portion,wherein the first tubular passage of the body portion receives the plugportion.
 8. A golf club fitting system, comprising: a golf club headincluding a hosel having a first tubular passage, the hosel having aslot in a sidewall thereof defining a plurality of detents; and atubular adapter having a radial protrusion, the adapter including asecond tubular passage configured to receive a golf club shaft having ashaft length; wherein the radial protrusion is configured to be seatedin any of the detents in the slot to vary an extent to which the adapterand the golf club shaft having the shaft length extend into the firsttubular passage to thereby vary an overall golf club length using thegolf club shaft having the shaft length.
 9. The golf club fitting systemof claim 8, wherein the slot defines two detents.
 10. The golf clubfitting system of claim 8, further comprising a securement mechanismconfigured to removably secure the adapter to the golf club shaft and tothe golf club head.
 11. The golf club fitting system of claim 10,wherein the securement mechanism comprises one or more set screws.
 12. Amethod for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer, the methodcomprising: securing a first golf club head to a golf club shaft suchthat the golf club shaft extends a first distance into the first golfclub head; removing the first golf club head from the golf club shaft;and securing a second golf club head to the golf club shaft such thatthe golf club shaft extends a second distance into the second golf clubhead; wherein the first and second distances are different; and whereinthe first and second distances respectively correspond to first andsecond rotational orientations of the golf club heads to the golf clubshaft.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first rotationalorientation of the golf club heads to the golf club shaft is offset byabout 90° from the second rotational orientation of the golf club headsto the golf club shaft.
 14. A golf club fitting system, comprising: atleast two golf club heads; and a golf club shaft; wherein the system isconfigurable to provide a plurality of golf club lengths using only thegolf club heads and the golf club shaft; and wherein providing theplurality of golf club lengths comprises varying an extent to which thegolf club shaft extends into the golf club heads.
 15. The golf clubfitting system of claim 14, wherein providing the plurality of golf clublengths comprises varying a hosel length of a golf club formed from thegolf club heads and the golf club shaft.
 16. The golf club fittingsystem of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of hosel-like sleeveshaving variable bore lengths, wherein the sleeves are alternatelyreceivable within a bore in each of the golf club heads.
 17. The golfclub fitting system of claim 14, further comprising a plurality ofadapters, wherein the adapters are receivable within a bore in each ofthe golf club heads to selectively limit an extent to which the golfclub shaft may extend into each of the golf club heads.